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Collecting Native American Art

Native American WEAVINGS

Predating clay pottery, Native American weavings date to prehistoric times.

As most early art forms, Native American weavings were utilitarian pieces used for carrying water or storing food.

No doubt inspired by the nest of a bird, early baskets were woven from native plants. Through the progression of time, innovations such as lining the baskets with clay or pine pitch made them more effective and versatile.

Today, very few tribes have members who practice the art of basket weaving. Those who do continue to produce timeless treasures and a tribute to a long history of tradition.

In Southern Arizona, the Papago people continue this tradition with the most frequency. Using native plants such as yucca, bear grass or devil’s claw, the techniques employed are almost identical to those of their ancestors.

The Hopi Nation in Northern Arizona also produces traditional weavings, but these are harder to come by as they are typically used for tribal rituals and not for retail sale.

The Apache Indians produce, in small numbers, utility baskets. This basket was once worn on the back, for easy deposit of food items that were cultivated from the earth, trees or bushes.
When evaluating a woven item, similar criteria are used as when evaluating trade blankets. More value will be placed in the artwork if traditional weaving materials, pigments and techniques are used as compared to mass produced products.

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